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You Are What You Eat: Wow, Wasabi
Posted on Jul 1st 2008 7:02AM by Martha EdwardsEach week, we'll be naming a Super Food and offering unique ways to use those Super Foods that pack nutritional power. After all, you are what you eat -- make it count!
Everyone who is addicted to sushi like I am knows a thing or two about wasabi. Lesson number one? It's hot. Really hot. As in spicy hot, the kind of hot that brings tears to your eyes and stings the top of your nose if you're not careful. But using it wisely (meaning frugally) can add a flavourful kick to your meal. And from past experience, we know that spicy foods tend to be good for you, right? But what about wasabi? And what is wasabi, anyway?
Wasabi is a Japanese condiment that comes from a root by the same name. Some people buy it in its root form, but many buy the more well-known version: finely ground into a paste. It's commonly eaten with Sushi, but it has lots of other food uses as well -- in salad dressings, for instance.
But back to the nutritional value. Is it good for you? The answer is --you guessed it-- yes! Wasabi contains Isothiocyanates, powerful antioxidants, as well as Potassium and Calcium. And what can these nutrients do for you? Studies show that wasabi has been shown to be a powerful in helping slow the spread of cancer and fighting tooth decay. Additionally, it can help prevent ulcers and parasites, and has strong antimicrobial properties. It's also used for detoxing and cleansing. and is thought to help fight heart disease. These health benefits aren't news though -- as far back as the 10th century, wasabi was believed to be a cure for food poisoning.
There's a catch though -- most restaurants in North America use a cheaper, fake version of wasabi, and this wasabi substitute is without the same nutritional benefits. So buy your own or check with your favorite sushi restaurant to make sure you're getting the good stuff.
There are lots of ways to enjoy Wasabi, besides the obvious -- eating sushi. Check out some recipes here and here and be sure to let us know if you have some of your own!
Everyone who is addicted to sushi like I am knows a thing or two about wasabi. Lesson number one? It's hot. Really hot. As in spicy hot, the kind of hot that brings tears to your eyes and stings the top of your nose if you're not careful. But using it wisely (meaning frugally) can add a flavourful kick to your meal. And from past experience, we know that spicy foods tend to be good for you, right? But what about wasabi? And what is wasabi, anyway?
Wasabi is a Japanese condiment that comes from a root by the same name. Some people buy it in its root form, but many buy the more well-known version: finely ground into a paste. It's commonly eaten with Sushi, but it has lots of other food uses as well -- in salad dressings, for instance.
But back to the nutritional value. Is it good for you? The answer is --you guessed it-- yes! Wasabi contains Isothiocyanates, powerful antioxidants, as well as Potassium and Calcium. And what can these nutrients do for you? Studies show that wasabi has been shown to be a powerful in helping slow the spread of cancer and fighting tooth decay. Additionally, it can help prevent ulcers and parasites, and has strong antimicrobial properties. It's also used for detoxing and cleansing. and is thought to help fight heart disease. These health benefits aren't news though -- as far back as the 10th century, wasabi was believed to be a cure for food poisoning.
There's a catch though -- most restaurants in North America use a cheaper, fake version of wasabi, and this wasabi substitute is without the same nutritional benefits. So buy your own or check with your favorite sushi restaurant to make sure you're getting the good stuff.
There are lots of ways to enjoy Wasabi, besides the obvious -- eating sushi. Check out some recipes here and here and be sure to let us know if you have some of your own!
